1917. In a remote English village there are rumours of an enchanted wood. One of the inhabitants – a mysterious old man – invites eight strangers to stay. They all have something in common. When, one evening, the wood miraculously appears the guests feel compelled to enter. What happens there has the power to change their lives forever…

From J. M. Barrie, the celebrated writer of Peter Pan, The Admirable Crichton and Quality Street, comes this haunting drama of self-revelation. Darkly comic, and presented in a sumptuous production for the play’s centenary year, Dear Brutus is Barrie at his most magical.

Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle (Sense of an Ending – Time Out Critics’ Choice) and produced by Troupe, who return to Southwark Playhouse after their critically acclaimed production of The Cardinal (The Telegraph Critics’ Choice).

Please note the show contains smoking and loud noises.

The Press on director Jonathan O’Boyle:
★★★★★ ‘An excellent production from Jonathan O’Boyle…beautifully calibrated.’ Miriam Gillinson, Time Out on Sense of an Ending
★★★★ ‘Jonathan O’Boyle’s production left me walking on air.’ Mark Shenton, The Stage on Hair
★★★★ ‘Incandescent with feeling…O’Boyle’s production is so intense, so contained.’ Sam Marlowe, The Times on Made in Britain

The Press on producer Troupe:
★★★★ ‘A vigorous production that would look at home in Stratford-on-Avon.’ Michael Billington, The Guardian on The Cardinal
★★★★ ‘A riveting piece of theatre.’ Claire Allfree, The Telegraph on The Cardinal
★★★★ ‘An ebullient production of infectious energy.’ Fiona Mountford, Evening Standard on After October

Cast

Production Photos

Rehearsal Photos

Post Show Talk – Tuesday 5th December matinee

J.M. Barrie is best remembered for Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up (1904), his ‘fairy play’ which is frequently revived, including a major production which returns to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre next summer. But the Scottish author (1860-1937) also wrote myriad novels and numerous other stage works, including Quality Street, The Admirable Crichton, Echoes of the War, the opera Jane Annie (for which he co-wrote the libretto with Sherlock Holmes’ Arthur Conan Doyle) and, in 1917, Dear Brutus.

At our post-show Q&A, Terri Paddock (@TerriPaddock), founder of MyTheatreMates, StageFaves and WhatsOnStage, talks to director Jonathan O’Boyle (whose other credits include Sense of an Ending and the current 50th anniversary revival of Hair at The Vaults), leading man Miles Richardson and other members of the Troupe company about Barrie’s wider legacy and why this magical play is so ripe for revival in its centenary year.

Please note that seating in the Little is unallocated.

Concession prices are available Mon-Thu and for all matinee performances.